Dive deep for the treasure that you seek

My safe place for K Pirate/Mermaid AU

[slateofthesea]

Masterlist

Pirate King/Merfolk

Silver - Gold - Red - Blue - Green - Purple - Colorless

Side characters

Sea Witch - Madame -

Writing

Red King - Green King - Silver Kings - Gold King

Playlist

Link

Timeline

Link

[promptcalender]

Merfolk x Pirate

✦  “Why is the Captain yelling at the ocean again?”        “That siren that stole his spyglas now also stole his hat.”  “He is so into this.”

✦  “Stop flailing. I got you, won't let you drown.”        “You... You saved me?”  “Of course. You're an annoyance, not my enemy.”

✦  “Can you move? You're scaring the fish with your tail splashing water.”        “You move! I've been sunbathing here for weeks, and your ship is in the way!” 

✦  “Well, hello there, gorgeous. You wouldn't mind helping me out and grabbing that amulet I dropped into the water, would you?”        “Your amulet hit me on the head. You're lucky if I don't drag you into the depths.” 

✦  “Don't you look lovely holding onto the railing of my ship?”        “And brave too, after you tried to catch me with a net last time.” “Ah, but you see, how could I resist when someone as pretty to look at such as yourself is presenting itself to me like this?”

✦  “If I kiss you, will you drag me into the depths?”        “Maybe. Isn't it worth trying nonetheless?” “I am questioning that as well...” 

✦  “Your siren song is quite lovely. It almost tempted me to jump into the water and swim to you.”        “Charming, but siren songs are myths. Not even human minds are so weak that they would succumb to it.” “We must be something special then, because your voice weakens my knees and makes the waves look like home.” 

✦  “The water is lovely today. Why don't you join me?”        “I don't think you understand just how tempted I am to do as you ask.” “Oh, I know. I wouldn't be offering if I didn't.”

✦  “You're hurt... Did they try to capture you?”        “I got away... But their blades were poisoned. Can you help?” 

[Prompt Calender: March 29th, International Mermaid Day]

[photographss-world]

[magicdreamspoetry]

The raging sea roars like thunder.

[redloveashes]

MerMay- Fated Lovers

Mikoto Suoh/ Tatara Totsuka

[slateofthesea]

The "Scorned" Lovers

[randalltier-deactivated20230711]

the ocean as a metaphor ALWAYS slaps. the ocean as a hungry force that wants to consume you? the ocean as something vast and unknowable, like a god itself? the ocean as freedom and liberation? the ocean as the mysteries of the self? the ocean as love? never fails to get me

[slateofthesea]

The Slate of the Sea: Gold King

(Ao3) (Vibes)

Nothing was making sense... None of this made any sense. No matter how long Daikaku stood there on the sandy white beach explaining himself and their situation, they found themselves.  

"You're being ridiculous. We are not living in some fantasy novel; this is real life." How much Klaudia wanted to scream, 'have you gone mad!? Do you realize how insane this all sounds?'

"What I said has been hand-to-Ryujin the truth. I can prove it if you wish," Daikaku has always been a calm, collected man, always had a leveled head on his shoulder, even if his heart flutters uncontrollably around the love of his life. 

"If what you're saying is true. Then the legend clearly states if any selkie were murdered/killed, they turn back into human forms. Those bodies we put to rest yesterday were seals... not people."  Klaudia took a deep breath, rubbing her temples, hoping to stop this headache. 

"If the power of a king slays any mythological creatures-" The young sea captain scuffs at those words repeating out loud 'King' and mumbling 'ridiculous.' "We are standing on the beach of Tears, where many lives were lost trying to acquire one other half of their whole." 

"Either power is whole, or it's not. There's no in-between... my sister nearly drowns over this crazy fantasy you both live in. Do you understand that? Do you even!- Why are rocks floating? What is that soft humming sound? Why are your eyes glowing a golden color?" 

The Kokujoji clan could be traced centuries back. One could say or jest their family took root since the earth took form. With a family going that far back, many titles became attached to his clan. 

The first wife of the head of the family was known as The Magician, used to perform tricks, and was sly of the hand most commoners spoke. 

The second head of the clan's wife was known as The Enchanter, who used to play 'matchmaker' as another way to downplay her label the weak-minded threw at her. 

And so went down the line people would whisper behind the clan's back, every word they knew, sorcerers, Wicca, and finally, the new leader of the Kokujoi clan was known as The Mystic, with his unique ability to manipulate gravity itself. 

"I'm hallucinating, yes that explains- um... the stress from sailing through that storm, the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of poachers, my sister nearly dying, the sun beating down on us." Klaudia kept rambling, trying to find a sensible reason to explain everything. 

"Klaudia, you feel it in your bones that what I say is the truth. You remember seeing our grandmother standing in the shallow that night," As much as she tried to forget that night, she could not. The images of the two women standing in waist-deep water, holding hands, singing without moving their lips before two bright glowing gems came out of the sea by webs-like hands. "The Kings always follow their anchor. My grandmother served as your grandmother's anchor...power stabilizer might be the term you're used to seeing in those ancient texts." 

"I enjoy reading those ancient books that have many uncharted sea routes." It wasn't a lie; they only partially contained much other information. "Anchor or power stabilizer is not the wrong term. From what those books read, the sail could be a better term or lock and key. Those who came from the sea, or persons of the sea, are the key to unlocking or guiding the king's power." Klaudia finally surrendered to this fantasy as she sat on the nearby rocks. With all the evidence at her feet, it's hard to deny everything. 

"Misguided information has caused a war between the kings. The Seventh one of us believes forcing the seas- selkie, sirens, and even mermaids into his service will help locate-" 

"The Dresden Slate... a mysterious stone that grants aura to those it deems worthy, or so the legend states." Daikaku could have argued he was still getting accustomed to his king's ability as he allowed his entire body to be consumed by a gold aura. "You made your point; aura, kings, and sea folk weren't just myths. How long have you and my sister been working on this?" 

It was a fair question on Klaudia's part as it was now hard to hide their secret adventure anymore. "Possibly the same amount of years you've been doing your own research behind our back?" 

"Fair enough. What's our next step since if I leave you two alone; heaven knows what trouble you would end up into." So it's better to join in now before Klaudia is left behind. 

"Once we wake Addi, there's someone I would like both of you to meet." Daikaku led the way back to their camp, as Klaudia was initially reluctant to follow, "This 'he' person you asked about the other day. Is he not an average person?" Even if she knew the answer, Klaudia had to ask the question to get it off her chest. 

"He was the Colorless King's first victim,' The gold king paused for a moment before explaining himself more. "I was just named the head of the family. That night a small child washed up on the shore wrapped up in his dying mother's arms." He told Klaudia the grim tale of the selkie begging with her last breath to protect her son...naming their executioner 'The Colorless.' "My family raised him, educated the child until we could locate more of his kind. Hisui was only a child when we last met." 

Klaudia had to make him stop right there as her mind was going in circles. "Before you explain anything more, I may need a few drinks to clear my head." With so much unknown only one question kept bubbling up and out of her mouth. "So when do you marry your anchor?" 

That question almost felt like a dagger to his heart, impaling itself deep into his chest, twisting, and butchering his heart. Before Daikaku could respond, the sea captain ran past him, nearly shouting, "Who's that naked man sitting beside my sister!" 

"Oh, hello, sis," of all the things Addi could say to her older sister right now, she chose those three words... not explaining herself with a naked man...who was holding her hand, more like having a death grip on her hand. "Mmhmm, she's my older sister. I know she looks scary, but she can be kind... at times. Oh, you know, Daikaku,yes.. people look different as they age. No, they are not. I know you're right. They should be." 

It appeared as if Addi was having a one-sided conversation with herself. If Klaudia didn't do an in-depth study on every mythology sea creature using telepathy to speak, that ability was strictly for families and lovers. Klaudia's blue eyes shot back at the gold king, needing someone to explain everything to her now... right now. "Klaudia, I would like for you to meet Nagare Hisui," Addi paused before dropping a cannonball on her sister. "My husband." 

Holding up their interlocked hand to give the older twin more visual aid as Nagare said only one faint word. "Wife." 

"Congratulations, best wishes for a lifetime of great happiness." Daikaku bowed his head, giving his heartfelt wishes to the happy couple as Klaudia, on the other hand, stood there speechless. Blinking uncontrollably at this sight with her (I had no desire to be someone's wife, Lady of the house, or someone's mother), sister clung to her... to her... 

'Come on, Klaudia, say the word, and all will be fine... great even. Now say it!' Scolding herself for the lack of ability for not being able to say this single word. "Husband?" There she managed to say it... yes, it came out more like a painful screech, but at least it came out. "I'm going to die an old maid, and my baby sister just plucked her husband out of the sea like it was nothing." 

"Nagare says thank you for letting his kin rest, and there's nothing else here; the Colorless King took everything, no wait, everyone else with them."  Addi kept her attention on this beautiful slim-built man with messy dark green hair. 

"With the tide coming in, I suggest we take our leave. Gathering what we know and what we don't, he will be leagues away from us by now. I have to contact an old friend, who has been tracking the last king much longer than I have." With all of their research back at the villa, it was best to retreat to the former ground. 

"We agree with the gold king. Oh, so that's what you meant by a King. I see now. Yes, I think we can pull that off," The selkie still wouldn't let go of his wife's hand. "I won't leave you behind. I know your family didn't want to leave either. We can make a found family with the four of us." 

The Kokujoji and Weismann family's world turned upside down the moment the sun rose this morning... many things became clear as many remained in the shadows. For Daikaku, the burden was lifted off his shoulders as he no longer needed to hide who or what he was—the Gold King with the blood of sirens running through his veins. The blood of the sea guided him to remain anchored to his course, revealing its silent whisper to him, and showing him how to use his power to heal the broken and save the weak. 

If only this aura could give him the courage to face rejection.

***

As for the Weismann sisters, Addi came to understand the longing in her bones after hearing the saddest song the one night their family stayed at the Kokujoji castle on the very night Nagare washed up on the shore. The selkie didn't realize someone was answering his song. Someone heard his prayer, never to be left behind again. 

The fates wanting them to meet, need them to be apart of each life as destiny was not yet done with this strange couple. 

The young gold king couldn't help but smile, watching the newlyweds walk hand in hand across the ship's deck, teaching each other about the other world—the endless beautiful dark waters of the sea to the breathless evils of the life above. 

"Sister, you’re a sea captain, correct?" of all the dumb questions her genius baby sister could ask, she picked that one to find her voice again finally. 

"Yes, Addi. You know full well that I am. Father took great strife in teaching me how to fly against the waves." The sea captain kept her eyes on the sea, not liking the clouds forming to the east of them. "If we want to beat the next storm, we need more speed." Barking her orders to the crew. "What is it you want, sister? Please make your request quickly, then get yourself below the deck." 

"Marry us," Bluntly asked. No, Addi begged her sister to perform the sacred ceremony, almost acting like this whole thing was some stage play. "You're the captain, so in the eyes of the law, you can marry us." 

"No." There Klaudia said it, putting her foot down until her sister saw reason. 

"No? No, you can not perform the marriage, or the law won't allow it?" Addi pushes for the answer for a single-word reply. "Daikaku? Can not a captain or a Lord perform such a ceremony?" 

"Klaudia, please explain to us your reasoning." Now the young sea captain has three sets of eyes looking toward her, seeking an answer her voice might not be able to give. Klaudia could go into great detail about the typhoon brewing to their east needing her full attention if they were going to outrun it, or she could be simple and honest. 

"You can not marry someone you just met." Explaining more reasoning behind her single-worded answer. "Don't even drag Lord Daikaku into this. I'm the captain here; this is my ship until we dock. No one is getting married, and if they do so behind my back. I will sink this very vessel into the sea." 

"Klaudia, you can not be serious. In selkie-" The sisters bark and disagree with each other even as the storm is on their heels. Addi finally felt a familiar feeling in the pit of her stomach. "How long could you control the wind!?" 

"One does not control anything. I simply let the wind guide me." Klaudia always hated the words 'control.' It was like telling everything lesser than yourself that it should live life under your boot. 

The angrier the sisters became with each other, the more the wind- no winds, fought against the canvas sails. One gust of wind came from behind them, pushing them toward the coast, towards home. As the second wind came from the west, shoving them more into the raging storm. 

Ever since they made landfall on the Island of Tears, something felt off, like it was tearing their sanity apart. 

"I only want you to be happy!" 

"And I want to marry my happiness!" 

"Kings are such foolish creatures," Nagare spoke up. "Throwing their aura around like pebbles across some river." 

The very moment Nagare hands reached out for Addi, something changed inside her chest, something no words could describe. "Wait, I thought only life and death circumstances could awaken Kings- Oh, did I drown?"    

Spitting those words out carelessly in front of your older sibling will get you the same result as jumping into the ocean and holding a couple of cannonballs—a suicide mission. 

"Nagare, would you like to join me inside the captain's cabin to discuss the events of the attack-" Addi quickly corrected the gold King's choice of wording. "Slaughter." 

"Forgive my mistake, the slaughter." The two men left the sisters to battle out their pettiness as either one of them would give ground. 

"Much like before, he stole the younger one and used his king's abilities to slaughter anyone who resisted him." The selkie continued retelling the event as the Colorless waited until mid-day to start his assault. "The fog came first, just like you said it would. I managed to get some safe but not many, and his right eye is much darker than I remember." 

"Do you believe the sea witch is helping him?" The selkie shook his head slowly as the gold King sighed deeply. 

The sea witch could be dealt with without effort; a single death could cut off the Colorless King's power link until she was reincarnated. However, if their sacrifice were to the Syrens that something Daikaku was not experienced enough in, books clearly stated all Kings could slay the three, yet his siren blood told him differently. Only one King could kill such a dark creature, known to be the most ruthless and violent of the Kings. 

The Red King. 

Sadly for them, the last Red King passed away ten years ago during childbirth. Her descendants live deep within the Demon swamps, and few dare to adventure upriver. The Suoh family has quite an arsenal to them with the ability to unleash fire chaos upon any who dare to cross them. 

"They won't be born for some time," The Selkie finger kept outlining an area on the old map that covered the sea captain's desk. 

"They?" The gold kings question only to get the fair skin man to smile, knowing its best not to speak on such matters; even the ocean has ears and lips to whisper such tales into their enemies' ears. 

*****

The Timeless palace made landfall hours later, looking as if it had been in war as some of the railings were missing, some of its sails ripped to shreds, and she was taking on water from the crack in the hull. 

"Welcome home, Nagare. You have to see the libraries, water garden, oh, and my research!" Addi rushes off the ship, pulling her husband behind her, disappearing into the crowd at the port, shouting to everyone she knows quickly introducing her husband to them. 

"I can't believe I agreed to marry my sister in the middle of a hurricane... of our own making. This King's ability will take some time to grow accustomed to. Could you give me lessons, Lord Daikaku?" Klaudia gave away her own pride, agreeing she only- and ever wanted Addi's happiness, but she refused to be seen anywhere near the newlyweds. Watching them cling to each other was enough to make anyone uncomfortable since the selkie needed to understand that if he was going to live among humans- well, half-humans. Clothes were not optional; they were a must. 

"As you wish, however, my lesson starts early, and I'm very strict."

"I'm not giving up my wine." The holder to the head of the Kokujoji clan heart declares, marching right into the tavern. After the two days she just had, a few drinks were past due. 

"Your Excellency, you have an urgent letter from Master Miwa," this said letter was one Daikaku knew was already on its way when they cast off for the island. 

Dear, Daikaku. I hope my letter finds you well. Please give my complete happiness to the newlyweds and my best to the new Silver Kings. I know they are prepared for what's coming. Ten years from now, the unique emerald will be among us. Its value does not go well for us, yet I urge you to do nothing...until the appropriate time.

As for the rubies, I will keep them safe for you until they reach a higher value. 

                                                                       Your friend,

                                                                           Ichigen Miwa

The battle for the slate was one of patience until all seven kings could come together; everything was out of reach. 

[slateofthesea]

Pirate King Gold:

Daikaku Kokujōji

[slateofthesea]

The slate of the sea timeline (I'm horrible at these)

Gold King-

Daikaku Kokujoi, 25

-Slate Gem/Stone- Beads in his hair and Bracelet on his right wrist made out of Wulfenite

-born a Gold king due to his family tree (still working on the details)

-Has Siren blood and the first-ever Gold king in him

25 of age in the Silver and Gold King chapters

-35 When the new Green come into power

Klaudia/Addi, age 20

Silver Kings

-Slate Gen/Stone- Diamonds- Klaudia=Earrings. Addi=Crown

-Nagare Hisui, age 18- Selkie

-20 When they became Silvers Kings

-Their family tree can be traced back to the Dresden clan (still working on that detail)

Niki Fushimi, age 19

Green King

-Slate Gem/Stone: Emerald: rings= Index finger

Kisa Fushimi, age 25- half blood Siren

-19 when he came into power as the Green King

-Niki, 20, Kisa, 26, when Saruhiko was born

Saruhiko Fushimi

Purple King

-Slate Gems/Stone- Amethyst= Draggers

-Born the Purple due to his family tree

-16 when he left his parent's crew

-19 when he fully came into power at the Purple King with his own crew

Red King

Mikoto Suoh, 24

Tatara Totsuka, 22- Mermaid

-Slate Gems/Stones- Rudy= Chain cuff earring he wears on his left ear.

-19 when Mikoto came into power as the Red king

-Due to his family tree, he always knew it was fate

-Mikoto was 24 when he met Tatara, who was 22

-Totsuka always knew they would meet

[slateofthesea]

The Slate of the Sea: Silver Kings

(A03) (Vibes)

Power, what does that word mean to you? Does it feel untouchable? Do you picture the raw power that mother nature gifts us, hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes, or does your mind think of everything you could protect with such power? What price would you pay to acquire such power? Could you sacrifice someone dear to your heart to obtain such a thing or to keep it?

It was always the same dream that haunted the twin's daughter of the Weismann family. A cloud of smoke, no, it could be better to describe it as fog. Once their eyes close for sleep to take them by the hand, a strange fog creeps into their room. Yet, their bodies couldn't respond to the fight or flee as the mist weaved over and under until wrapping itself around their bedpost before slowly moving toward its prey, hoping to learn the unspoken truth from generations of letters between two of the oldest family line.

"Sleep, my beautiful pets; tell me everything that is yet to be revealed to me," Sinter whisperers ring in their ears as images flash in their dreams.

A slate table? No, a stone tablet with foreign languages written all over it with seven color glimmering under a full moon… Seven gems were shining from underwater; the seventh gem kept changing between two colors, black to transparent, like a moonstone. Clear images show the gemstone of opal to an onyx.

Another flash gave them a version of their great-great-grandmother writing near an open window looking over the sea, writing down notes beside sketches of many sea creatures. However, only one of the twins saw this, the youngest. The one with their nose always in books, who made their nursemaid tell them over and over the folktales that have been passed down, the story of the sea creature's treasure that could grant the power of nature.

The peaceful dream becomes a nightmare as the crystal clear water turns red, and the sweet scent of salt water turns foul with an almost sickly sweet as the odor of blood fills the air. Screams, crying, and cursing filled their eardrums without a way to block out the noise.

'Why us?' The wind howled out as the clouds began to weep 'must not cry… do not shed a single tear…that monster should be-' the weeping turned into a muffling sound.

Who were these 'us'? What monster?

So many questions were already haunting the twin's minds as their dreams continued showing them countless images, none being connected to the last; a pale hand appeared to be holding back a wall of water? A spotted seal crying? A tablet underwater? A gentle voice kept repeating, 'I'm alone' before releasing a panic scream, "Why!?"

Another sleepless night left them wondering if they were going mad like their great-grandmother before them, who used to tell stories of the sea speaking to her, revealing the unspeakable truth of seven sea gods whose hearts were ripped out and placed inside stones to end a war. This war occurred under the sea, or so said the raving of a mad woman.

Klaudia thought it was only her who had these dreams. Yes, her sister was beside her during some of the events inside the dreams until a wave of tear shape gems swept Addi away.

Addi believed the same thought; only she was plagued with such nightmares. A silly little nightmare that was brought on by travel fatigue to their coast side villa for the summer. It was a logical thought, easy to blame, but more to the point, twenty-year-olds don't have nightmares anymore; such things were for children.

Even if the pair share dark circles under their eyes, they did not speak on such matters as this summer would be unique. This was the summer the Wiesmann family would have two weddings to plan. As the elite family all flock to the seaside for this season.

Morning wake-up calls come earlier as their nightmares last all night. Like clockwork, their handmaids open up the curtain to let in the soft morning light, telling them about the latest gossip from the port town, yet this morning felt different. Excitement mixed with panic affects the whole household.

It only meant one thing… one silly thing; they had a visitor… he came to see them—the young Lord of the Kokujoji clan from across the sea. The two families have been close for generations, yet both great-great-grandmothers suffer from the same disease of madness. Both talk about the song of the ocean if you listen close enough.

Weeks upon weeks, the young Lord practiced his proposal until it felt right, and it felt natural since he was put on the spot by the younger twin for sounding too stiff, too proper. Compared to Klaudia, who tried never to be overly formal if she could help it.

"Sneaking out again, dear sister?" Klaudia didn't have to open her eyes to know what Addi was doing, trying to tip-toe toward the secret exit in the bookcase. "This is an important day for our family."

"An important day for you, maybe," Addi stood there, barely dressed, with toast hanging out from her mouth, inky writing all over her wrist, and some doodling. "I have other plans for today," Holding the worn leather journal before declaring a new breakthrough. "but do give my regards to Daikaku. His insight was most helpful."

Disappearing before the handmaid came in with today's new grown to try on but mostly avoiding her sister's famous lecture on ladylike behavior, family honor, etc. "Ugh, that girl."

It was known that the younger twin had no interest in wedlock and all the responsibility that came with it. Being someone's wife, the Lady of the house, a mother- with so much knowledge out there, why choose to be forced to live by another's standards? There was a pull- no calling in her bones; there was something more out there for her. What that something was… Addi had no clue. It was just a strange feeling she got when standing ankle-deep in the ocean as she tried to translate the writings of a mad woman. Was that even the right words to use? Perhaps.

"Ah! What does this mean!?" yelling up at the sky to release the tension from reading the same five pages countless times. "Diamonds do not float like clouds above our heads. Wulfenite does not see the unsee-no wait-" Her blue eyes scan over the scribbles once more, trying to recall the native tongue of her people. A dead language, of course, could be quickly taken out of context. "hold upon the earth?"

Making notes' Silver=Air, Gold=possible meant unseen or gravity?' "Rubies could easily mean blood.. like blood rubies? Then again, blood could also mean power since it holds the highest regard in so many spells and folktales."

Talking out loud to herself as she paces in the warm salt water, stopping only to curl her toes in the sand out of frustration. "Blood, as in fire, making an oath to the Suoh goddess herself."

"You choked, didn't you, Daikuka," Those ever-seeking eyes never left the old page as Addi spoke to her oldest friend, who happened to turn his back to her as he tried to hide a glimpse of embarrassment." We practice, remember. You wrote out the whole propose- even I could recite your words if you like?"

"No!" Daikaku didn't mean to raise his voice toward the young woman as it was very out of character for him, being raised to be a true gentleman, upholding and acting all on virtue. "I mean-" Clearing his throat some before speaking, "that won't be necessary as I came to give you a gift," Holding out a small wooden box. "it was found among my grandmother's belongs."

The box contains another leather-worn journal that Addi flips from cover to cover before complaining, "There's nothing but numbers on here- wait! I've seen these ones before." Comparing the two side by side, rushing through the wore out pages until. "they are repeated here too! Could these numbers be representing stars? Where did I put the book that you gave me…the library?" Leaving her friend alone on the seashore as she talked to herself about each star constellation, where they were located, and their legacy.

Addi spent most of her youth studying the stars, learning how to use them to navigate the land and sea. Some would say she wasted her prime years on such a foolish- unladylike hobby. "Old map? Old map.. oh yes. I see following this route would bring us to this bay. What at this bay? What are you trying to tell us? What was found there?"

"Wasting another beautiful day indoors again, my dear baby sister." Klaudia wasn't hiding in the dusty library; she was returning the book pile her sister forgot to return. Or went her cover story.

"Drinking so soon, my kind older sister."

Her older sister only raised her wine glass to those words, reminding Addi precisely what time of day it was. "Dinner will be served within a few moments. Please do the curiosity of being on time- and properly dress." She knew her words fell on deaf ears as someone's nose was already back in her research books.

-----------

--------

"I wouldn't worry yourself, Klaudia. Knowledge has always been your sister's weakness. Even a god once fell for such things." Daikaku chuckled, watching the woman who had held his heart for so long vent her anger into the wine glass. "He even gave up one of his eyes, or goes the legacy."

The young pair spoke freely to each other tucked away in one of the many water gardens away from all prying eyes of society.

"With that logic, my sister will forsake all society's standards of a woman for such knowledge." The pair was supposed to be enjoying afternoon tea, but with no one around to say otherwise, tea was not on the table as a wine tasting was more crater toward Klaudia's liking.

"Maybe forsaking those standers is what Sneeds." Daikaku's shaking fingers outline the ring box hidden within his yukata's sleeve.

"Sneeds? Are you feeling unwell, Daikaku?" His dark eyes couldn't stay focused on the young maiden in front of him as his cheek held a faint red tint to them, with his speech pattern turning to a broken language between his native tongue and the common tongue.

A flaw that many know yet dare to speak of, Klaudia's drinking habits are often compared to that of a mass navy battleship.. fully loaded with twenty or more guns, that still stays afloat after taking much damage.

Daikaku's drinking habit was like a liferaft with a leak; once it's in the water with a person, it becomes completely submerged. Mixing that with someone who is beyond nervous, they tend to seek out liquor courage.

"Honestly, you're just as bad as she is. Maid, please help Lord Daikaku to his bed. I fear he may have too much afternoon sun."

The second attempt at proposing marriage was wasted with the help of foreign wine. ---------------- ----------

"Maybe you should try writing to her? As you two have no issues commuting through those. Many nights she stays awake writing to you--is that something I shouldn't say out loud?" The proper and improper topic was never Addi's strong forte as she tended to say things without giving them much thought.

"You seem to be in a better mood. Have you discovered something new?" Not waiting to dwell on his failure, Daikaku moved on to another topic hoping Addi would do the same.

"If I'm correct in my navigating skills, I found the cove our grandmother spoke about. So when do we leave?" The Weismann family might have many things. However, a worthing sea vessel was not among them. "You two engage! There I declare it." Addi, long-time companion, only let out a deep sigh. "or what's more romantic than an out on the open sea under the stars proposal?"

"And what are we discussing so intensely?" Speak of the devil, and they appear as Klaudia joins them in the music room where someone was to be practicing at the piano.

"Daikaku graciously invited us on his ship tomorrow to refresh us with sea air." The villa they were staying in was along the coast, which had plenty of sea air.

"Only if you two would like to accompany me." Addi rolled her eyes at Daikaku, giving him a very unpleasant face.

"You spoil her too much, Daikaku Kokujoi. Fine but… you get to practice for another hour. Don't give me that look, Addi. I know you two were sitting in here to avoid that gentleman caller." Actually, Addi was too busy studying maps even to realize they had a guest, let alone know that person was here to see her.

That night was spent plotting the route they would be taking. It wasn't far in a sense, but it wasn't close at the same time, possibly a day trip at most. It was going to be a pleasure cruise, where Klaudia would be engaged by that night. However, they got far from that idea as a wicked storm tore the sea apart, waves hammering the Timeless palace and throwing the battleship around like a child with a ragdoll.

"Why did I let you two talk me into this!?" This type of storm was nothing Klaudia hadn't seen before as she took the helm, screaming with the thunder, cursing the sea mother herself out as she stayed her course. "Once we make landfall, I want to hear everything!"

Addi quickly elbows the person beside her repeating everything to Daikaku. Everything from translating some of the journals to discovering the cove they often heard stories about would be told to Klaudia from his lips… to even asking her for her hand under the starry skies would not be spoken… ever!

The battle wore ship seemed to fair enough through the storm with minor damage, a strange storm that almost felt like a summon from the gods to keep them from finding such a place.

"What's that awful odor?" Addi quickly covers her nose, trying not to breathe it in. "Rotten fish? Dead whale?" As the rotten smell of decay completely overtook the air.

"My god… look at the coast… look at all the corpses?" Klaudia's voice gave out as her blue eyes noticed the red wave beating over the blood-stained sand to what appeared to be seal bodies floating in the shallow water as many were baking under the sun's heat on the shore.

"Judging by the smell, I would say five days at most," Daikaku military background came through at sight like this, from human bodies to the carnage left behind by poachers.

Only Klaudia notices his facial change quickly from calm to angry back to peaceful. Only his eyes… seem to change color? The young sea captain dismisses the thought no one's eyes can change color, nor do gemstones begin to glow. It was a trick caused by the sun's reflection, as she told herself as they launched the long boat to make for the coast.

"I will never understand why people would do something this horrible for a simple coin." Addi has always been a kind soul, always choosing to see the good in others.. even if that task is impossible.

"People will always choose greed over life no matter how society advances. Money and power mean everything, no matter the cost." Even though they were born minutes apart, Klaudia's mindset has always been more mature than her kind-hearted sister's. "We should burn the corpse to stop the spread of disease."

A task that wasn't easy to complete as more and more dead bodies were located, as the young ones were not spared from the slaughter.

"Why?" Addi kept asking herself over and over as grief tore through her. She had never felt such sadness; her hands shook, her stomach clutched, and her eyes burned from tears trying to fall as she kept rubbing her arms. They didn't feel cold, yet Addi kept running her hands up and down her arms, not realizing how far she had walked up the coast and from the group.

She couldn't be there when they placed the young ones in flames. That idea caused her tears to fall as a sob escaped from her lips. Even putting her mouth over her mouth didn't silence them once her eyes saw the black smoke.

A frustrated scream tore from Addi's lungs as she kicked at the waves around her feet. Everything she wore felt like it was trapping her at this time. Letting out another scream, Addi started tearing and ripping at her grown. The sleeves were the first to rip off, followed by the heavy water log skirt; she kept pulling and screaming as tears fell one by one into the water.

Being consumed by rage and anger, Addi didn't realize the once ankle-deep water was now at her waist until something swam past her legs. The once bright sun disappeared behind the horizon, making the sky appear on fire with pink, purple, and red colors. Once more, she felt something bump into her as her sense started returning. She was standing a bit from shore only in her undergarments in shark-infested water, and something was pushing her to the beach.

"Oh my god," Addi wanted to scream to her sister and Daikaku once she saw their figures coming into focus, recalling everything she had read about what not to do as the book clearly stated rapid movement could cause an attack. "Kl-Kl-uadia," came out like a soft screech from her throat as her body pushed forward again.

With her entire focus on the people walking the beach, Addi lost her balance as a wave knocked her under the water. The saltwater burnt her eyes as she opened them, trying to see the shark that was about to devour her. Instead, she saw a spotted seal with unique heterochromia eyes, with the right side blue as the seawater and the left green as the evergreen tree.

Without thinking, she reached her hand to the sea creature as the seal lets its head rest in her hand before her body was lifted out of the water. "Addi, speak to me! Tell me she's breathing, Daikaku. Please tell me!"

"Addi, look at me. You saw him, didn't you?" The young maiden in Daikaku's arms only blinks at him before nodding.

"Thank the heavens you're alright! What the hell were you thinking!?" Klaudia's good manners and grace disappear as she lectures her sister about scaring her to death. "I thought you drowned! What did you mean by Addi seeing him? Who is he?"

There is a moment after having a life-and-death situation that feels strange. You know it happens; your body remembers every moment as it enters the survival mode of fight or flight. As your eyes dart around, trying to seek a way out, yet your mind is very weird about it as it replays it repeatedly in slow motions, even backward if it has to, and time-loop parts of the event as it tries to process the event. Then it goes numb, almost like it was saying, 'yes, that happened to us, and no, there is nothing differently we could have done to prevent it… but we survive. Shall we move?'

"She's in shock. We must get her warm!" Addi heard the panic in her sister's voice, and she heard Daikaku's heart racing as he carried her bridal style out of the water. "Here, place her here and get all the blanket you can. Addi, you're going to be alright."

Addi gave her sister an automatic nod as her eyes searched the water line before staring at her hand. Her fingertips remembered brushing against something soft… softer than anything she had ever felt.

Silk? No softer. Satin? No, it was different. Her family took their stand on no fur two generations ago. So Addi can not recall feeling any fur beside her white Persian cat. But even his fur didn't feel that soft compared to what her fingertip remembered. "Addi. Addi, here drink this. It will help warm you up." The warmth of the teacup in her hand helped keep her focused on this moment.

Even if her body only remembers how cold the water felt only a second ago… as her mind fought to make sense of the event. "You're not him, but you feel that same." Addi doesn't remember talking to anyone before standing in the water, yet her mind replays that soft-spoken voice that holds such sadness.

"I felt the same as whom?" Addi thought aloud, keeping her eyes on the dark water as nighttime fell upon them, watching the calm and steady white wave crashing into the beach with the full moon sharing its pale yellow light.

Addi didn't recall when her sister raided her of her wet clothing, nor when she was wrapped under many blankets to the point the only motions her body could do were fall over and roll closer to the fire. "I think you overdid yourself, sis.. maybe I should fear that marriage between you and Daikaku." Trying to make a slight joke to ease the tension only helps a little as the images of the massacre flashback into her mind, and her stomach turns as it recalls the foul odor.

Wrapping her arms around herself as she tried forcing her mind to stop. "Red to orange are the flames, silver star carefully placed on the dark blanket that covers the sky."

Trying to stop the racing thoughts is much like touching the same place in a flowing river. Yes, you may be able to touch the same area but not the same water. That's impossible when you place your hand into the flowing river. That water is gone as it flows further away from you. Playing mind games to keep your thought active and trying not to settle it can help if your mind isn't overwhelmed.

Exhaustion finally overtook Addi as she fell asleep on her sister's makeshift camp, unaware she was being watched from the dark water by two-tone eyes. The sea creature waited for their chance to get closer, waiting for Daikaku to lead someone look alike away to discuss the event that led them to this moment, standing on the island of Tears.

Most people believe these island got their names from looking like teardrops scattered across the ocean. Folktales will tell you a different story… a darker tale of young women being dragged here against their will to be sacrificed to the Sea Witch or The Sirens.

For the sea witch, their bodies were tied to post out in the shallow until high tide. Beautiful tainted maidens were left to drown so the sea witch could absorb their youth. Pure maidens were dragged into the water, having their throat cut for the witch to drink as their dark red blood gave her the ability to keep her foresight.

For the Sirens, all they requested were for you to murder and sacrifice a loved one to the Syrens for them to lend you their dark magic.

There's no power without cost. Power itself must have balance. Those words are carved into a stone here. The stone tablet may be covered in moss now. Years of seawater and rain might have washed some of the wording away. Yet, it still stands here as a reminder to everyone- Everything comes at a cost. ------------- ----------

That cost came to light as the sun rose, sharing one of its many breathtaking sunrises as darkness gave way to light orange before fading to yellow. The light almost blinded Addi's sleeping form.

Without thinking or recalling yesterday's event, the sleeping form blew air from her lips, like she was blowing out her night lamp, yet the light wouldn't go out. She groaned as she tried to move her arms to smack around on the nightstand to teach that oil lamp a lesson not to cross her. Only one arm could break free from the covers as her other arm felt trapped under something warm… almost soothing type of warmth.

"Stupid…lamp.. go out…need sleep. Sand?" Her right hand flopped, swatting around, trying to locate the nightstand, but she kept feeling sand. "What mean prank is my sister playing at? Why sand- wait, I hear waves… Oh, that's right."

Her blue eyes snapped open as memories came flooding back to her. Strong emotions overtook her… there was so much sadness in this place, and Addi finally let herself feel that. She knew the moment her eyes caught sight of this island on the deck of the sea vessel, that's all she felt inside her heart… overwhelming sadness.

Before she could throw her arm over her eyes to block out the sun and hide the newly forming tears, there was a gentle touch on her face. "Please don't cry… we thank you for your tears but don't cry anymore."

Rolling over on her side, coming nose to nose with those unique eyes from before.

[slateofthesea]

The slate of the sea: Red King Mikoto

(A03) (Vibes)

The color was almost like a pink mother-of-pearl shimmer, under the dark water as the full moon shined red as the blood moon summoned the Red King to this very place.

He didn’t want to give up this chaos. It was too helpful. Too Precious. However, his first mate took it upon himself to seek the water goddess Kushina’s advice.

“You just want something to control the monster.” The Red King sneered as the calm water ran through his fingers as his crew rowed the longboat to where the “beautiful red will meet his destiny.”

“No matter what I say now, you still won’t believe me, Mikoto. So, I’ll just lie now. We’re here in hopes of finding something that will stop you from burning down my ship.” It was true. The HomRa grand sea bond vessel did belong to Kusanagi, who inherited his uncle’s ship.

But the crew voted for Mikoto as Captain for his pure raw power. Even Kusanagi had to agree as not many challenged them for that very reason.

“Alright, boys, keep rowing no matter what you see or hear. Chitose that goes double for you.” Sirens and mermaid-infested water were dangerous no matter who was at the helm.

The beautiful song of death filled the crew’s ears as their King slept through it, not even stirring once in his sleep.

The blood moon was high in the sky, casting its mirrored self upon the water below, as the pirate crew followed the sea goddess’ words. They made sure to set sail from the left side of the shore, sailing northwest for twelve days, rowing out to touch the red moon.

“D-do you guys hear that?” The vanguard stuttered a bit as he was the one who was freaking out about all of this. Even before leaving the port, he made sure to make his complaints well-known.

Before anyone could answer Yata’s question, one word fell from Kusanagi’s lips. “Silence!.”

The death song suddenly stopped. Not even the water dared to make a sound. The crew almost felt like they shouldn’t breathe, let alone speak. Their King was still fast asleep, his one arm over the side of the longboat, his hand resting in the water.

Gentle splashes came against the side of the boat as the pink simmer could only be seen out of the corner of your eye. A soft humming could be heard, a song that could make anyone fall asleep or fill them with excitement. It stirred so many emotions to the surface in the crew.

A delicate hand brushed against Mikoto’s hand, he felt it tracing against his palm, wrist, and slowly leaving a water trail up his arm stopping at his shirt’s hem.

The pirate King slowly opened his eyes to meet light brown ones staring back at him. “It’s nice to finally meet you, King.” The creature wasn’t afraid, even when the Red pirate King gave him a death stare. “That’s not very nice, King. To glare at someone you just met.” The water creature rested off the side of the longboat, smiling at the pirate King’s men, before running a finger across Mikoto’s forehead then ever so gently down his nose, finally stopping just above his lips. “You look so tired, my King. Eyes heavy with so much agony, so much-”

It was best not to say anymore as the crew started to whisper among themselves. To some of them, Mikoto was invincible, untouchable, yet he was just a man blessed to curse with this destiny.

“The sea goddess told us to seek someone’s help here.” Kusanagi finally spoke up, feeling it was time things needed to be said.

“I know, I too met a wise man who told me about meeting my destiny among my brothers and sisters on this day.” Retelling the day they were caught in a fishing net, and someone named Ichigen Miwa saved them. The future teller told them about meeting a King.

Mikoto used to turn his nose up at things like prophecy or destiny and always viewed it as their god’s whim to toy with them as if they were puppets on a string to play with for their amusement. That was why Kusanagi was caught off guard when Mikoto offered his hand to help the odd creature into their boat.

Their pink pearl-like fin slowly faded to small scales on their bare skin until they sat there beside Mikoto, completely nude. "It’s rude to stare or so I’m told, but I don’t mind if any of you do.” He said, giving a mischievous wink toward the ones who were blushing.

——

The crew made port in one of the pirate villages among a small group of islands. They needed to be on land for a while. To resupply, enjoy pleasures of the flesh for some or enjoy the company of just the two of them for the Red King.

It was almost strange yet very familiar. Like they had been here so many times before. Alone they shared their past with each other, things they never shared with anyone, all those dark memories, dark secrets.

“I’m not like the others of my kind. Only on a full moon do I take the form of my mother before me.” Slowly lifting their tail out of the water to catch the moon rays upon it, causing a soft glow to appear. “That used not to happen until I met you.” A pale pink, almost warm glow appeared off of every scale in all but one area.

It was like there was something almost like a ring, no it was a chain. Mikoto always ran his fingers over that area, never asking as his blood seemed to boil.

Running their fingers through their King’s hair, the water turned his red hair darker. “Ask."

"No.” He couldn’t bring himself to. Every time they shared a dark memory, the Red King’s lucky charm voice always gave out.

The creature smiled a gentle knowing smile. For once a King didn’t want to cause pain. Everyone was told the tale sirens song lead men to their death; mermaids drowned men after enjoying their company—horror stories to keep their men at home and in their beds.

But for some- primarily Kings, their songs gave them peace. Silencing the chaos that made them above an average man yet kept them awake at night.

“Too bad. I’ll just tell you anyway, or I could show you, my King. My kind can share our memories if you like.” The song comes easily as Mikoto collapsed in the swallow water beside them.

Every known memory that Totsuka could recall was shared. Being left on a beach as a newborn, cared for by an elderly couple. The memories were soft. The only feeling that could describe all of these were like the feeling of coming home.

Mikoto was so calm in the creature’s arms, but that calm couldn’t last. “I’m so sorry, my King. What comes next will be very painful as I didn’t fully warn you about this. My pain will be your pain. Some pain can not be forgotten.” Those words fell into a whisper.

Thoughts that were not his own flooded Mikoto’s dreams, like being caught in a hurricane in the dead of night. Pure darkness until a great flash of light crackled through the clouds. A chill of death traced up his spine as someone’s cold finger ran up it. A child who looked as young as three was sold once their true nature became known. Mermaids brought all kinds of treasure to all who owned them.

The poor creature was sold again and again until the monster with so many faces owned them. The Colorless King. He was known to be the weakness. But what he lacked in raw power like the rest, he made up for it in other ways.

Knowledge was the key to untold power, and he wore that crown very well. A chained binded the creature to a dark, cold room far away from the sea that called them home every full moon.

Totsuka only escaped from there thanks to another King attacking the Colorless stronghold. Unaware of who, they let go as the Gold King freed all who were inside those walls.

“Never again.” The Red King snapped, his red aura casting big ripples in the water, almost like a precursor for waves in a tsunami. “I’ll cut anyone’s hands off if they ever laid them on you again.”

[slateofthesea]

The slate of the Sea: Green Pirate King, Niki Fushimi

(A03) (Vibes)

The Dresden Slate was considered to be one of the great treasures of the pirate world. Many have sought it, fought over it, murdered for it, gave their lives to it. Yet, one single man gave his soul along with his conscience to it, casting everything aside once he heard the rumors, visiting a local pub.

The Fushimi family had the money to throw around all schemes without questioning it. When the youngest member of the family declared his adventure at the age of fifteen, no one even batted an eyelash, just raised their glasses, and wished him well.

Niki had the best schooling money could buy, not for his benefit but for his family. Another pawn on the Fushimi line chessboard. However, Niki never viewed himself as a pawn, nor a knight, now a silly bishop. Queen maybe? Lose your Queen; you lost the game. King, always, his delusion of grandeur started at the tender age of four when he outwitted everyone in his home out of their money.

His gambling got wildly out of hand by thirteen, causing all sorts of trouble for his family, scheming any and all who docked at his family-owned port. It was a blessing when he took on a ship and crew of his own, leaving his former life behind.

Maps and books upon books were laid scattered throughout his cabin. Letters and journals were read over and over again. Niki followed any whispers of the tale of this slate. Everything leads him to this point to a town that’s not on any map.

Sailing straight into a storm, a storm none of the crew had ever witnessed before. Waves so tall they seemed to touch the sky itself. The only sound they heard was the crack of thunder and the roar of the ocean as it ripped the entire ship apart.

Niki never feared anything in his life, always believing the tall tale his great-grandmother told him. After her late husband was lost at sea, a mysterious person visited during a wicked storm. A stranger with no name, no past, stayed only three nights, gone without a trace leaving behind a pregnant widow. She believed in her bones; her visitor had been a god of some sort.

Sea or chaos. Coming in with the tide and leaving with it or crashing into life like a violent storm, only blowing countless damage in his wake.

His great-grandmother encouraged the idea of him being a demigod as she often spoiled Niki the most. When she passed onto the next life, he inherited everything from her. Maybe from that, his curiosity for knowledge about all things, about the sea and the god.

It was strange when he was drowning; he thought he heard his great grandmother’s voice- like a song that kept him alive. Even stranger as he remembered in the storm, that was the same song he heard in the background.

“You’re awake.” The voice didn’t belong to his great-grandmother. It belonged to a young woman named Kisa, who would lead to much higher things and regret.

Much like Niki, Kisa wanted more out of her life, having to hide away from the fear of being captured or turned into one of the Colorless King pets for being a half-blood siren. She wanted what was beyond the horizon. Only the tale of women bringing lousy luck kept her from living in this safe haven.

Meeting by the fate of the gods or more like a cruel joke on their part as saving the pirate became Kisa’s biggest regret as they fell into a relationship of convenience. Kisa used him to gain some form of her freedom.

Niki used her to acquire the treasure her kind was protecting. A simple emerald ring that once belonged to the Dresden Slate.

“I should have helped you drown that day.” Kisa glared at the Green King as he desecrated another fleet with his new power.

“You should have, love, but here we are;” Standing at the helm, drunk off of this new power. He laughed as the sea took the fleet down. As the ocean and the sky seemed to be consumed by green light.

[slateofthesea]

Sea Witch: Anna Kushina

[slateofthesea]

Madam: Maria Yubikiri

[slateofthesea]

Pirate King Green : Niki Fushimi

Half-blood sirens: Kisa Fushimi

[slateofthesea]

Pirate King Blue: Seri Awashima

First mate: Douhan Hirasaka

[slateofthesea]

Pirate King Red: Mikoto Suoh

Mermaid: Tatara Totsuka